Winter Digital Magazine - ALBS.pdf

WINTER 2022

DIGITAL MAGAZINE www.limousin.com.au

FROM THE

PRESIDENT The challenges keep on coming for our industry. The threats of Foot and Mouth disease and Lumpy Skin disease have now been added as we deal with Covid and the risk of contracting Monkey Pox, as well as the rising prices of diesel, fertiliser and most of our everyday farming needs.

All of this coincides with the challenges of the floods affecting large areas of NSW and Queensland. It is fortunate the rural community is so resilient. Having spoken to some of our members affected by the floods I was buoyed by the positiveness of their outlook and their consideration and support for one another.

Having recognised the strength of character and positiveness, I feel it is still important to keep checking with our fellow rural operators to ensure their mental wellbeing. Where farming and reliance on farmers and the agricultural industry is the sole source of income, we need to be alert and considerate to the situations that our rural community members are in and offer our support where it is needed.

With EBVs becoming an increasingly important tool for buyers in our industry, the Board is reviewing how to give our members the most appropriate access and manage the associated costs to enable more participation in this critical area. With our key breed competitors developing innovative processes to provide their breeders and clients more relevant information, we consider that ALBS needs to ensure our members have the best opportunities to promote the strength and attributes of Limousins in our industry.

Also for the Limousin breed to be a strong contender in the Dairy Beef market, it is critical that what we as members believe about our breed is backed up by relevant data.

Another area of our responsibility as genetic producers is associated with the carbon footprint and methane emissions of our Limousin breed. I firmly believe that Limousins are well placed to be at the front of the grid.

However to gain this recognition we need to provide relative data.

On the positive side I am pleased to finally see the roll out of the ILROline program and I hope that this makes many of the genetic recording processes more efficient and less confusing for members. ABRI is keen to move onto the next stage of setting the system up for guest usage which is the avenue for commercial buyers, stock agents and other external interests to research our cattle genetics. As users of the system please put forward your requests for improvements to the system.

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FROM THE

PRESIDENT There will be much more than EBVs required, but EBVs will form a key information set in the analysis of the environmental impacts of Limousin in comparison to other breeds, other species and even other protein sources.

Having recently facilitated a “Beefing Up Your Herd” session led by Dr Mark Ferguson and Henry Hickson of neXtGen Agri in Colac, which was attended by about forty five local commercial producers and stock agents, it is clear to me that potential buyers are becoming more aware and alert to the benefits of selection

by Breedplan data as well as visual assessment. I refer to the EBVs as the “resume” and the visual assessment as the “interview”.

The responses I have received from the session were very positive particularly on the areas of docility, calving ease, gestation and growth. It was interesting to note the emphasis on temperament, with 9 out of 10 having docility as their top priority. I highly recommend having nexTGen Agri present to your clients and stock agents on the benefits and relative use of EBVs. With sales now underway leading up to spring I wish all vendors the best for their sale and I feel confident that the strong selling period will continue.

Chris Meade President

Photo cover: Grand Champion Bull at the 2022 National Show and Sale, Summit Treasury R18 with Associate Judge Thomas Febey, Judge Glenn Trout, Hayden, Jasmine and Arthur Green from Summit livestock.

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FROM THE

BOARD Thank you, Pat. Patrick Ryan first joined the Board in 2014 and has held the offices of Junior Vice President, Vice President and Treasurer in an era of significant change. Pat has been a highly effective Board member providing experienced and wise counsel to myself as President, to Mick O’Sullivan as President and to the various Board members who sought his opinion. Pat has always made time to communicate with members on any issue and to give unbiased opinion and support where appropriate.

Not only has Pat been involved on the Board in a time of change he has done this while enduring the effects of drought, fire and floods on and around his family property. I have seen how he supports his broader community and the Limousin community and have admired his resilience, reliability and consideration for others. Having completed his time on the ALBS Board, Pat has offered his services to the Genetic Hub Board. On behalf of all members I offer our appreciation and thanks for all he has done, and will continue to do, for the society.

Chris Meade

For a Board to be successful the underlying strength is in the Board’s willingness to make unselfish decisions that benefit the majority of the members and Pat displayed this emphatically. I could detail the projects and changes he was involved with but feel it is better to sum it up in a different form by saying Pat put his hand up for everything where he could add value for the progression of the Limousin Society and its members.

I would think that Pat would be most pleased with the Strategic Plan as it met with his professional approach to the role and was there for whoever followed onto the Board.

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FROM THE

BOARD My life long association with farming and the agriculture industry began whilst growing up on our family dairy farm in Central Victoria. My first introduction to Limousin Cattle came about when the decision was made to purchase a Limousin Bull to compliment the family’s commercial beef operation. Back in those days, the breed was French Pure, horned, and had a reputation of being a little on the wild side – “Lenny “ was no exception.

Despite this, It didn’t take long for us to realise the many other qualities and traits the Limousin breed had to offer.

Get to know Lyn Ralph, Treasurer.

After completing a Bachelor of Business, I have enjoyed a long career in Public Accounting and Financial Management and have gained a broad range of knowledge and skills over many years. Whilst filling the shoes of out-going Treasurer, Pat Ryan, is a little daunting, I am excited by my appointment as Treasurer to the Board. I look forward to working with the Board of Directors and the Genetic Hub team, and feel confident that I have the experience and knowledge required to guide the financial position of the Society over the next 2 years.

The Breed has come a long way since those early days. The commitment and dedication of our breeders to strive for improvement and advancement across the breed has been second to none. I am proud to be a Limousin breeder and of where the Breed stands today.

In 2008 Andrew and I established our own Stud, Tooronga Limousins, and have enjoyed being actively involved in breeding and growing our Limousin herd since then. The future of Limousin in Australia is exciting , and I have great confidence of the breed’s market position in the beef and dairy industry as we move forward.

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FROM THE

BOARD Get to know Mike Donaghy.

Mike and his wife Kylie are from Brunswick Junction in the South West of WA. They have two kids; Tait, 8 and Angus, 10 (naming error at birth-should have named him Limo).

Mike and Kylie are new to the Limousin scene, but have been steadily building up a herd of cattle from the most humble of beginnings.

The generosity of Kevin and Sue Nettleton was the difference between trading scrappy looking mixed commercials, or becoming Limousin breeders. It was pretty clear the Nettleton’s took pity on Mike and Kylie's meek finances and sold what they could spare. Kevin and Sue got them going.

From then they have built up a small herd of nice Limousins. Currently they run 80 stud Limousin cattle with a female inventory of about 40 breeders. They are trying to double their Limousin holdings annually until they have a large enough herd.

They farm cattle on the home farm in Brunswick Junction (about 2 hours south of Perth) and have a few other agistment blocks where they keep weaners and unjoined heifers.

Mike deals with compliance of producers failing to abide by Animal Biosecurity regulations including NLIS identification, failing to complete NVD’s at all, or correctly, and not conducting NLIS transfers correctly or in the required time frames. Mike’s Quarantine tasks include compliance of illegal domestic importation of pests, or potential carriers of pests or diseases into WA. The role involves, issuing industry stake holders with guidance, formal warnings, infringements and court summonses for non-compliance with state legislation and regulations. Mike is doing his part to keep the state free from diseases and pests!

Mike and Kylie are both active members of the WA Branch of the Society; Secretary and Treasurer respectively. They are aiming to improve Society memberships in WA, foster strong communication and relationships between all state members, and to learn more about how they can improve their own herd and farming enterprise from others. Together they are striving to build up a herd large enough to allow one of them to stop working full time, and go farming full time – hopefully in the next 5 years.

Mike is eager to contribute his strengths to the Board, and the broader Society.

Mike is 47. He is originally from the northern NSW town of Kyogle. Whilst growing up his parents had a small Limousin stud, and the family showed Limousins at most local Agricultural shows during the 1990’s. Mike’s sister and her husband also currently have a Limousin stud at Southgate, just out of Grafton in NSW. Mike worked for WA Police for 17 years, working all over Western Australia from the wild Kimberley town of Halls Creek, south to Kalgoorlie, and a few other stations including WA Mounted Police for a number of years.

In 2017 Mike resigned from the Police to try a different style of work. He joined the Department of Agriculture and Food, and is still there today, working in the capacity of Supervising Biosecurity Compliance Officer.

This role encompasses compliance of Animal Biosecurity and Quarantine with Western Australia regulations.

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NATIONAL

SHOW & SALE

by Garry Hedger, Chairman LNSS The National Show and Sale was back in full swing this year following 2 years as an online only event due to Covid. It was a big move to the new venue at Holbrook after nearly 6 months of work to get the venue up to date but all the comments from vendors, purchasers and those who just came for a look to check it out were very positive.

The cattle looked comfortable too! With rain predicted and storm clouds threatening over the 3 days, there were only a few sprinkles on inspection day and a bit more overnight and the days turned out to be fine. This meant the Show could be held outside on the grass.

Our Judge was Mr Glen Trout, former manager of Birubi Limousins and now manager of Moorunga Angus in Victoria. Associate Judge was Thomas Febey of Kanangra Cattle Co Tasmania. Both were very complementary of the new grounds and even more so with the great line up of cattle. Many discussions were held in the ring during the show between the two judges with the following outcome.

Dean McGuire and Kylie Jonkers accepting on behalf of Garren Park Genetics the Michael Tynan Memorial Prize for a group of 3 bulls, presented by Carolyn Tooth

Show Results Senior Champion Female: Tanybryn Park Phoebe P119 : Exhibited by Colin & Helen Masters Reserve Senior Champion Female: Goldstein Park Harmony R6: Exhibited by Craig & Tamara Corby Junior and Grand Champion Female: Summit Light Ice S14: Exhibited by Summit Livestock Reserve Junior Champion Female: Raydon Park RoxieR11: Exhibited by R & D Lawrence Senior, Grand Champion Bull: Summit Treasury R18: Exhibited by Summit Livestock (front cover image) Reserve Senior Champion Bull: Balamara Rare Gem Stone R6 : Exhibited by Michael Mamo Junior Champion Bull: Raydon Park Ranger R10: Exhibited by R & D Lawrence Reserve Junior Champion Bull: Morrisvale Slightly Single S21: Exhibited by James & Casey Morris Supreme Exhibit: Summit Treasury R18: Exhibited by Summit Livestock (front cover image) Michael Tynan Memorial Prize of Excellence Group of 3 Bulls: Garren Park Genetics : Exhibited by G & K Hedger

The sale was held the following day, Friday 29 April by sequential auction through the indoor ring.

In the bull section 12 of 13 senior bulls offered averaged $9650.00.

The top selling bull and Senior Champion Balamara Rare Gem Stone R6, a black son of Wulfs Zane from Warrigal Gem Stone and weighing in at 910kg was knocked down to Aruma Limousins SA for $20,000 .

The second top price in the Senior bulls was Warrigal Remington R8, a Wulfs Compliant son out of Warrigal Wynnes Derby weighing in at 768kg was sold to Alexander Downs for $16,000.

Top Priced, Senior Champion Bull, Balamara Rare Gem Stone, Michael Mamo

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NATIONAL

SHOW & SALE In the junior section 4 of 5 junior bulls offered averaged $10,000. The top selling bull Mandayen Prototype R110 offered by Rachel and Ryan Relf sold for $12,000 with Goldstein Park Real Deal R25, a red son of Goldstein Park Next Level, being knocked down for the second top price of $11,000.

In the female section 2 of 2 senior females offered averaged $8,000 with the senior champion female Tanybryn Park Phoebe a daughter of TMF Redwood and from Tanybryn Park Miss Muffet sold with her heifer calf at foot going to Barry Nott of Cloudy Bay Mudgee.

Chairman Garry Hedger with winner of the Supreme Exhibit Hayden Green representing Summit Lifestock, Judge Glen Trout and Associate Judge Thomas Febey

Equal top price and reserve senior champion went to Goldstein Park Harmony R6, a black cow with her first calf at foot. She was snapped up by Eclipse Cattle Services, SA. In the junior section 12 of the 16 junior females offered averaged $6,116.00 with the top selling heifer and junior and grand champion Summit Light Ice S14 sold for $10,000 to the Parson family at Crookwell.

The second top price of $8,000 was shared by Summit and Warrigal with Summit Exotic R82 going to Scotts All Saints College at Wingham and Warrigal Foxy Lady S1 being knocked down to Flemington Limousins at Batlow.

In the genetic section the pick of the calf drop offered by Summit Livestock was picked up by Las Limousins for $12,000.

Embryo packages topped at $1,600 for 6 embryos of Wulfs Zane x Myers Lady Luck offered by Mystic Ridge selling to Crimson Park Livestock.

The second top price for 4 embryos of Southwest Noble Prize x Warrigal Foxy Lady offered by Paul & Janelle Relf for $1,200 was purchased by Aruma & Badger Limousins.

Many thanks to the National Show and Sale committee, and in particular Garry, for the huge amount of work required to create the new venue for this event.

Pictured Left: Senior Champion Female Tanybryn Park Phoebe P119

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FROM

GENETIC HUB It has been an exciting and rewarding time taking on the role of manager at Genetic Hub. I originally commenced with Genetic Hub to provide finance assistance, but over the course of 2021, I grew to love the vision for Genetic Hub and the breeds that it represents.

I have watched over the past 18 months as ALBS has gone from strength to strength. During this time, I have thoroughly enjoyed working more closely with the Board, NSS Committee and Youth Committee as they have supported each other to keep driving the society forward.

Liaising with members on a daily basis, their enthusiasm and passion for the breed, is reflected in the positive influence and direction that the breed is taking. It is a real credit to the members.

The Genetic Hub Staff and Board held our first ‘in person’ get together at the office in Wagga Wagga in April 2022, where I was fortunate to sneak in a visit to the National Show and Sale. It was wonderful to meet so many of the members that I had been speaking to. We all had a great time and I enjoyed my first cattle sale!

As the Genetic Hub team continues to grow, we are excited to be introducing webinars to members. The first being a collaboration with Neogen on TSU Sampling, available for members across all our societies.

Genetic Hub is also working collaboratively with Charles Sturt University - AgriPark. The decision to become an AgriPark partner is proving to be exceptionally positive, with Genetic Hub readily able to access a number of services and support from CSU. This relationship will continue to develop and provide opportunities for our staff and societies into the future.

Whilst my face and name are often at the top of the page, the entire team have worked incredibly hard and that is being shown in the growth that Genetic Hub continues to make. I am looking forward to the remainder of 2022 and the future advancements of Genetic Hub and the ALBS. Sarah Waldron, Manager Monday, Tuesday and Thursday sarah@genetichub.com.au Hannah Scobie, Registrar Team Leader Monday to Friday registrar@genetichub.com.au Eliza Borchardt, Registrar Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday Caitlin Albert, Registrar Monday to Friday Emma Finemore, Admin and Member Services Team Leader Monday to Friday office@genetichub.com.au Zoe Schipp, Communications Officer Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday zoe@genetichub.com.au Jessica Lawlor, Accounts Officer Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday accounts@genetichub.com.au

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2022 KEAJURA PARK NATIONAL

JUNIOR SHOW

by Phoebe Eckerman 100 young beef cattle enthusiasts travelled to Canberra for the 2022 Keajura Park National Limousin Youth Show. And what a great weekend it was! Friday, we kicked off with a fun morning with the Barnyard Olympics– we even saw some soccer playing steers and horsey heifers taking the field!

The fun continued into the afternoon with education sessions on online auctioning, animal health and reproduction, meat grading, nutrition, cattle structure, and halter making! A huge thankyou to: Dr Allan Del Rosario, Jasmine Green, Pete and Troy Kylstra, Tony Starr, and Tammie and Hugh from AuctionsPlus for taking the time to run these education sessions.

Saturday morning we held our junior judging competition which saw competitors judge a steer, heifer and bull class.

The top 5 from each age category were invited to speak on their placings. A massive thank you to Scott Myers who was our over judge and explained how to explain your thoughts on cattle so well, our competitors learnt a lot!

Congratulations to the following competitors who were our Champion Junior Judges in each age division.

Junior Judging Champion Pee Wee Junior Judge: Daniel Kylstra Reserve Champion Pee Wee Junior Judge: William Perkins Champion Junior Junior Judge: Sarah Randle Reserve Champion Junior Junior Judge: Joshua Hartup Champion Inter Junior Judge: Jake Turner Reserve Champion Inter Junior Judge: Jemima Nugent Champion Senior Junior Judge: Micquella Grima Reserve Champion Senior Junior Judge: Chloe Bailey Grand Champion Junior Judge: Jacob Kerrisk

The workshops were enjoyed by all.

Reserve Champion Calf Capers Clayton Muscat

Champion Calf Capers Joshua Hartup

Val Littleton Domestic Travel Award, Phoebe Eckermann

Grand Champion Herdsperson and Junior Judge Jacob Kerrisk.

Sponsored by Tony Starr.

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Cattle classes commenced Saturday afternoon with the bred and owned class. It was great to see an outstanding showcase of Limousin cattle in the ring, a real credit to the breeders. Congratulations to the following exhibitors on their showing success in the cattle classes.

Animal Classes Champion Bred & Owned Edward Maclure (Keajura Park Shotgun S5) Reserve Champion Bred & Owned Scott Negus (Montague Park Southern Girl) Champion Owned & Exhibited Paige Hatton (Scots All Saints Sweet Augustin) Reserve Champion Owned & Exhibited Edward Maclure (Keajura Park Shotgun S5) Champion Bull Edward Maclure (Keajura Park Shotgun S5) Reserve Champion Bull Charlotte Dendy (Raydon Park Stonehenge) Champion Commercial Heifer Audrey Gill (Keajura Park Siesta) Champion Steer Jemima Nugent (Brentvale Scholarship Steer) Reserve Champion Steer Taylor Kleinschafer (Scots All Saints College Simba) Champion Calf Heifer Brent Collins (Raydon Park Sophie) Reserve Champion Calf Heifer Lane Corby (Goldstein Park Sweet Lucas) Champion Junior Heifer Brittany Jones (Raydon Park Sorraya) Reserve Champion Junior Heifer Paige Hatton (Scots All Saints Sweet Augustin) Champion Senior Heifer Kody Stevens (Myers Lady Star R20) Reserve Champion Senior Heifer Alice McNee (Summit Meadowgrass R46) Supreme Exhibit Brittany Jones (Raydon Park Sorraya) Champion Sire or Dam Progeny Group: Kody Stevens & Jacob Kerrisk (Myers Western Star)

Saturday night we headed to Thoroughbred Park for a beautiful, bruised beef meal sponsored by Kilcoy Global Foods. Star young auctioneers Jack Whitty and Jacob Kerrisk lead a mighty auction interfaced

by AuctionsPlus. Thank you to all sponsors and purchasers at the auction. Your support is helping to build beef leaders for the future. Young Limousin breeders Edward Maclure and Jono Nicholls stepped up for charity offering to shave their mullet and beard to raise money for the Rural Flying Doctor Service. Well done Jono and Ed! Following the auction, we presented our scholarship awards and then danced the night away.

Scholarship Recipients Summit Most Potential Breeder Tate Purdue, Balaklava SA Brentvale Team of 3 Steer Award Phoebe Eckermann, Tate Purdue & Bianca Wood (SA) Limousin Youth Ambassador Zeke Groom Primrose SA Heifer Expo Exchange Zeke Groom Val Littleton Domestic Travel Award Phoebe Eckermann

Champion Paraders (L-R): William Tindal (Pee Wee Champion), Sarah Randle (Junior Champion), Chloe Bisley (Intermediate and Grand Champion), Jacob Kerrisk (Senior Champion) Left: Supreme Exhibit (L-R): Rachael Wheeler (Judge), Edward Maclure (naming sponsor), Belinda Maclure, Raydon Park Sorraya (exhibit), Brittany Jones (handler), Donna and Ray Lawrence (owner).

Photo by Mavstar Photography

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2022 KEAJURA PARK NATIONAL

JUNIOR SHOW

Sunday morning, we pulled out our best shirts and clean jeans for the paraders classes. Mason Galpin did a stellar job judging and we thank him for the role he played at our show. Well done to all competitors on their amazing parading!

Champion Paraders Champion Pee Wee Parader - William Tindal Reserve Champion Pee Wee Parader - Kody Stevens Champion Junior Parader - Sarah Randle Reserve Champion Junior Parader - Joshua Hartup Champion Inter Parader - Chloe Bisley Reserve Champion Inter Parader - Paige Hatton Champion Senior Parader - Jacob Kerrisk Reserve Champion Senior Parader - Chloe Bailey Grand Champion Parader - Chloe Bisley

Sunday afternoon came around and it was nearly time to say goodbye. We finished the show announcing our herdsperson awards to the competitors that had been outstanding allrounders throughout the show. Congratulations to Grand Champion Herdsperson Jacob Kerrisk.

The committee would like to thank all sponsors of the show, we could not have done it without your support. Thank you to our major sponsor Keajura Park Limousins for your support of the Limousin Youth Association. We also had so many amazing parents helping over the weekend which we are very grateful for. Overall, it was a great weekend filled with friendship, fun and Limousins! And we look forward to doing it all again next year.

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by Tamara Corby It’s been a BIG start to 2022 for our Limousin Youth Association January saw the LYA award the place getters of their Inaugural LYA Virtual Junior Show. The Virtual Show was an opportunity for the LYA to pivot after having to cancel their second Junior Show in a row, due to COVID. It meant that anyone across the country was able to participate and that the LYA could truly offer a youth event which wasn’t restricted by State boarders.

Congratulations to all competitors for their efforts and participation with Grand Champion Junior Judge awarded to Ella Saul, Grand Champion Handler awarded to Imogen Dries and the Limousin National Associate Judge awarded to Thomas Febey.

January also saw the Team get together for their first face to face Development weekend in Wagga Wagga. This was a valuable opportunity for the Committee to cover a lot of content and make some key commitments for the coming 6 months. With the support of key industry mentors, the LYA focused on committee functions and planning priorities for the 2022 Keajura Park National Limousin Junior Show.

The LYA fundraising Auction, which is held in conjunction with the National Limousin Show & Sale was strongly supported by donors and purchasers, with some very entertaining & spirited bidding, raising over $5000 towards the LYA Scholarship program.

2022 finally saw the Junior Show back on the youth calendar after 3 years. In the months leading up to the 2022 Keajura Park National Limousin Junior Show, the LYA Committee was meeting up to 3 times a week to ensure a smoothly run event, and I truly take my hat off to the Team and their mentors for their commitment. The Junior Show is the pinnacle for the LYA and is a huge multi-faceted event that requires a massive amount of organisation, coordination and commitment.

It was lovely to see everyone return to our Junior Show after so long, with 99 competitors coming to participate in the event. The program offered a jammed packed schedule with team building activities, various industry focused education workshops, heifer fitting competitions, cattle parading practice, junior judging, animal judging, paraders’ competition, herdsman awards and formalities.

The formal dinner evening of the Junior Show again saw another eventful auction night, raising nearly $15,000. The much anticipated, Kia Ora Raffle Heifer, was won by Jono Nicholls. With a resounding amount of positive feedback, we are so pleased everyone had a wonderful time and congratulations to all competitors who participated. There were some other pretty exciting awards presented which I encourage you read about in the following articles.

I think I can speak for the other mentors and myself when I say it’s been a privilege to be a part of this committees journey and see each of them develop key professional skills.

Thanks to an incredible group of people and the 2021/2022 outgoing committee; President: Bek Bayly Vice President: Andrew Scarsbrook Junior Vice President: Hamish Maclure Treasurer: Lenise Mantell Secretary: Chloe Bailey General Committee: Chloe Bisley, Jacob Kerrisk, Jack Whitty, Phoebe Eckerman, Rebekah Rushton, Caitlin Rodham, Bibiannah Peattie, Angela McGrath & Charlotte Dendy - “A team of Champions is a Champion Team” From myself, in particular I would like to thank the other LYA mentors, Jasmine Green, Tony Starr & Belinda Maclure. I am personally, very grateful for their ongoing support and guidance to the LYA Team.

The success of the LYA ultimately depends on sponsors, donors & purchasers of auction items, and volunteers, the LYA has been wrapped in generosity and support. I have humbled by the generosity of others towards the LYA program, and we can’t thank you all enough. Please make sure you check out our sponsors on previous page, and support these businesses in your endeavours.

Most Potential Breeder Award, Tate Purdue

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SNAKE GULLY LIMOUSINS

DANNIE O'SHEA Thomas Daniel O’Shea (Dannie) was born 03.01.1938 and spent his early life living on a dairy farm in Tangihua, Maungakaramea with his parents and three siblings. Family involvement with many local community organisations saw him supporting community organisations, particularly rugby and tennis. After completing his education at Sacred Heart College in Auckland, Dannie became determined to succeed and by the 1960’s had become a skilled rugby player representing both Counties and North Auckland.

In 1964 Dannie and Bethley were married and lived on Dannie’s dairy farm in Tangihua where their first three children were born. During these years Dannie was involved in local Club rugby, not just as a player but also as a coach of the teenage teams and was also very active on the Committee.

As a past Representative player of North Auckland Dannie qualified to be a Member of the Vikings R.F.C. which he joined in 1971. He immediately became involved as one of three selectors of the Club travelling all of the Northland province looking for young rugby players showing talent to promote them.

Dannie believed that if you belonged to a club, you should always strive to achieve the very best service to it. He lived by this belief which became very evident in anything he became involved in during his life. Dannie was appointed the Sole Selector Coach of the North Auckland Representative B Team in 1985 and 1986 before being appointed Sole Selector Coach of the A Team in 1987-88-89 seasons. All seasons were played in the Top Championship level and the 1988 team still hold the record for coming 4th on the Championship Table.

The aim of the Vikings Club has always been to promote Rugby in the North and to achieve this Dannie led the way and was rewarded by being made a Life Member of the New Zealand Vikings Ruby Football Club where he has filled positions of Club Captain, President and Patron and introducing new ventures for other Vikings members.

In 1968 Dannie and Bethley sold the Tangihua dairy farm, rented a house and purchased a run farm of 880 acres on the Omana Road. Essential buildings such as house, stage one barn, and an implement shed gradually appeared but before things were really organised the opportunity came up to purchase an adjoining block of 500 acres. The 500 acres was in just three paddocks full of blackberry, tea-tree and gorse so it was a few years before it became a useful asset.

The house provided room for two additions to the now complete Dannie O’Shea family.

All five children grew up working alongside their parents, riding horses and handling stock from an early age on the mostly hill country terrain as the property was gradually converted into fully fenced grazing pasture.

In 1985 most of the family had left home, busy pursuing various occupations although always ready to enjoy lending a hand at home when time allowed. It was at this time that Dannie and Bethley purchased three Full French Limousin Bulls to use over their 450 herd of commercial beef cows from Mary and David Bodell in the Waikato.

Dannie had seen a weaned Limousin calf owned by them on the Limousin site at the Mystery Creek Field Days a year earlier and said that that was the kind of beef he wanted to breed.

The increase of yield and quality of the beef produced resulted in he and Bethley establishing the Snake Gully Stud in 1989. It was difficult to purchase high quality Full French females from other breeders so the O’Shea’s embarked on a lengthy embryo programme with a very docile, structurally correct dam called Sterling Sheree.

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By using imported semen from the UK and France and later introducing selected proven dams to the embryo programme, the stud developed. The growth in numbers was relatively easy, but the growth in quality must be attributed to the willingness of Dannie to cull anything that did not reach his high standards.

He and Bethley ignored the costs of failed investments in imported semen and would not sell anything that they would not keep themselves. To this day the policy remains firm and its success is proven by the number of repeat buyers at Annual Sales that span 28 years since the first sale in 1995.

The 90’s also saw Snake Gully Stud become a Full Member of Australia, advertising each year in the summer edition of the Australian Limousin publication and enjoying many trips, mainly to NSW and Victoria visiting studs and making many friends while attending each AGM. A link with France and the UK included visits to many overseas studs with Snake Gully hosting return overseas visitors. The move was made quietly so that it did not cause any problems to the New Zealand Society or damage the Limousin breed in any way, Progressive Limousins of New Zealand was formed to enable the Limousin publicity campaign Dannie had started at the Dargaville Field Days to continue.

This venture had begun with Dannie, Bethley, Sterl Roadley and Terry Quin running a Limousin Steak Sandwich stall at the three days of the Field Days.This became so popular and efficient that by the time it ceased 13 years later there were at least twelve people working there each day, with many of Dannie’s family and friends lending a hand.

At this time a Full French herd sire was purchased in NZ only to find when his papers arrived that he was only pure. As he had already been with many females there was now an unwanted pure grade in the stud. This mistake became a positive by introducing polled Limousins into the pure section of the herd.

In 2008 Dannie purchased a black female, Premier Temptress Z16 in calf with a bull calf at foot. He had travelled to Australia to see all the Premier herd prior to the sale and she was his choice. Red tape presented this dame from actually coming into NZ but her progeny was the foundation of black Limousin in the Snake Gully Stud. One of her sons, Snake Gully Expensive became a most successful sire as his progeny consistently threw true Limousin qualities.

Snake Gully Stud was now established on property owned

by Dannie and Bethley’s daughter Natalie and husband David Roberts. Natalie and David had many years of experience both of Limousin and commercial cattle.

Since the year 2000 they had both been involved with the management of the Stud plus following Bethley’s accident in 1998 Natalie had taken over the Stud recording and also mastered the Bull Sale catalogues. It was no easy thing for Dannie to realise that he was no longer able to run the Stud but at first, he was content to run the weaned heifers on the 20-acre property at Maungatapere while continuing to introduce new sires to the Stud.

By 2017 it became necessary to leave the 20-acre property at Maungatapere and move into Whangarei where care for Dannie was more available.

Finally in 2017 the Stud changed hands, Dannie was delighted that Natalie and David had decided to keep the Snake Gully Stud name as for him it represented the fulfilment of his life’s dream. He and Bethley had shared all the disappoints and joys experienced while growing the Stud and where Rugby had been his passion in his youth, Limousin cattle were the great passion of his mature years.

Dannie still liked to keep up with everything happening with the stud – wanting to know weights of the young stock and calving details. The Roberts boys Sean and Brady had grown up doing stock work and training stud animals for show and calf club competitions. Their ability to handle stock successfully against older competitors at very young ages was something Dannie was very proud of.

David and Natalie’s eldest son Sean and wife Steph have remained loyal to Limousin by introducing Snake Gully bulls to Waikura Station in Gisbourne for use over their 1600 angus breeding cows and heifers. Younger son Brady and his partner Chantel have purchased their first property which Snake Gully is leasing.

It provides excellent grazing and home away from home for the stud cattle. Having both boys continue their links with the Stud and all things Limousin made both Dannie and Bethley very pleased to see another generation continue with the passion they began in the 80’s.

Dannie passed away at the end of February and with him went a Limousin Legend. We will miss our Limousin chat and we knew he would always give us his honest and sometimes very frank opinion, like it or not. His knowledge right up to his passing, on genetics and naming of cows and their sires could not be faulted.

At present Snake Gully has 70 registered females and holds its annual sale in June. Dannie would always say anything less than 18 bulls is not worth holding a sale for, so our aim is to keep to this.

Written by Bethley O’Shea and Natalie Roberts

page eighteen

LIMOUSINS IN

NEW ZEALAND It is very wet throughout much of New Zealand with flooding in parts of both the North and South Islands.

There is plenty of snow in the high country and lots of Aussies in Queenstown.

In May we held our AGM via Zoom and it went along unsensationally but there was some useful discussion around future proofing the breed here in New Zealand.

The autumn also saw the beginning of bull selling here.

With most bulls in New Zealand being sold on farm privately it is always hard to get an accurate gauge on numbers being sold but on speaking to a number of members, most felt it has been a successful season.

Mangatara Limousin had a successful open day on farm that showcased their genetics and drew good attendance from throughout the North and South Islands. This resulted in the sale of a number of bulls.

Kivlean and Grayleen Studs successfully auctioned their bulls online this year due to there being no North Island Bull Trial Sale.

I had the pleasure of attending Snake Gully’s 28th Annual Bull Sale on farm in June. The rain stopped long enough to make it a pleasant day and with an enthusiastic gallery there was no problem selling bulls.

All 18 on offer sold to good value with some potential buyers leaving empty handed.

Bulls at Mangatara Open Day

Strong bidding on the black bulls in the catalogue saw them average $6500 while top priced apricot bull Snake Gully Rocky sold to Colin Phillips Fernhill Stud for $9000. A good job by Natalie and David presenting a great line up of quiet, meaty bulls.

The Otago/Southland Hoof and Hook is going ahead in the next few weeks when space at the processors frees up due to the backlog of cattle waiting to be processed because of Covid disruptions. There is sure to be a good number of Limousins represented and I will update you on results when they come to hand.

NZ Limousin will be celebrating its 50th Anniversary in 2023 and it promises to be a big weekend. Plans are now underway to hold this in Methven, Canterbury over the weekend 21 to 23 April 2023.

Pick-up from Christchurch Airport can be arranged.

The itinerary will include two days of visits to studs, farming innovations, sight-seeing and exploring the local area. Included will be a return to the Ben More Limousin Stud established in 1973 (NZ Herd No. 2) and the oldest continuous Limousin Stud in Australasia. The Saturday evening will be the formal highlight with a gala dinner. Mark the date in your diaries. It promises to be a memorable weekend.

Clark Scott NZ Chairperson

page nineteen

VALE

SHEILA COOMBS Life Member of Limousin Beef Breeders Society of NZ Died 20 January 2022 Aged 98 years Sheila farmed in Feilding, with Bev Sanft, developing the Totara Farms Limousin Stud from 1973. They were there at the beginning of the NZ Limousin Beef Breeders Society Inc. Bev became the President of LBBNZ in 19914.

Sheila’s niece, Clare Crawley, approached LBBNZ and returned the Bronze Limousin Bull to the Society. Clare duly presented the bull at our Palmerston North AGM in 2016.

Last time I saw Sheila (at an LBBNZ AGM right) she was working on getting her new book published and it is a tribute to her vision and tenacity that the book has been published. “Paddock Profiles” shows an insight into Sheila’s love of the land. It is a personal read reflecting her passion for the land and Limousin. In purchasing more land near Feilding, she talks about the excitement of crafting the landscape as well as crafting an income from Limousins.

Totara Stud reflects the history of Limousin in New Zealand. Set up in 1973, along with LBBNZ, the Limousin stud grew and held on farm sales.

Limousin were popular on the show circuit, something which Sheila and Bev enjoyed and where they had a lot of success. Sheila talked lovingly about the well known bull that she bred, Totara Colorado.

Peta Lean

Totara Colorado

Sheila's heifers

page twenty

VALE

ROGER JAMES New Zealand Limousin lost a stalwart in Roger’s passing on 24 April. He was is his 90th year.

Roger was involved in developing the Limousin breed in New Zealand from the very beginning and was a founding member of the New Zealand Society in 1973. He registered the Ben More Limousin stud as the #2 herd in the New Zealand herdbook and the stud can claim to be the longest continuously breeding Limousin stud in Australasia. Ben More Limousin continues to farm near Coalgate in Canterbury operated by Warrick & Cece James and grandson Duncan James.

In March 1972 Roger and wife Estelle headed off to the UK looking at importing new cattle breeds. They were particularly interested in Luing from the Inner Hebrides of Scotland and they subsequently imported live animals of this breed. Whilst over there they visited Europe and viewed Simmentals and Limousins. On their return they decided to go with Limousin cattle.

In late 1973 Roger and Frank Alan headed off to France to select ten Limousin heifers which were allocated and sold by ballot back in NZ after an extended quarantine period.

These were the first Full French genetics in New Zealand and were part of the first direct import of cattle into New Zealand from Europe (as opposed to from the UK).

Ben More ended up with Image and Iranda from the Benyton and Chastenet herds in France. The shipment also included the first Simmental and Charolais heifers imported by other breeders into NZ. Surgical embryo transplanting successfully followed and a Limousin sale was organized to attract buyer interest from Australians who were eager to source full French bloodlines.

Other UK sourced Limousin cattle were added later on as were embryos from Canada. The Ben More stud held an annual bull sale for many years with all bulls led. This became an event not to be missed.

At the ILC in 1986 in Limoges, Roger was awarded the Ordre du Merite D’Agricole by the French Minister of Agriculture for his outstanding contribution to French agriculture. This was quite an honour. Count Louis de Novelle, a French promoter of the Limousin breed, became a close friend and visited Ben More several times.

Roger was entreprenerial in many other areas.

Along with the importation of Luing cattle, he also looked at importing Alpacas on a visit to South America, he imported Cashmere goats and Comeback sheep from Victoria as well as fur Rabbits. He was involved with a Kiwifruit and Nashi pear orchard north of Melbourne and he set up a Nashi pear orchard at Russell’s Flat (NZ).

Roger also started exporting carrot juice to Japan which led onto other produce.

Roger was very active in the Royal Agricultural Society and in 2006 was awarded honorary life membership. He also enjoyed a very successful showing career at various A&P Shows.

Roger and Estelle were married for 59 years. In 2013, Polly as she was affectionately known passed away leaving a big hole in Roger’s life.

Roger led a life of service and for that we are eternally grateful.

Rest In Peace, Roger.

By Gary Kennett

In the late 1990s the stud sold some bulls to China, quite an innovation at that time.

In 1978 Roger was elected as the NZ Society’s second President. He held this position until 1987. In 1979, Roger represented NZ at the 4th International Limousin Conference in Argentina where he made a bid to host the 1984 ILC in NZ. In 1981 he and Estelle along with VP Ben and Margaret Clayton attended the 5th ILC at Stoneleigh in England where NZ was granted the right to host the 6th ILC in 1984. At that meeting Roger was elected ILC President, an office he held until the NZ ILC in 1984.

page twenty one

COMMERCIAL USE OF

LIMOUSIN BREED Limousin bloodlines are boosting profit in a range of commercial cattle enterprises across the country thanks to improved carcase attributes and hybrid vigour. Anthony and Tanya Allen run a commercial cattle operation “Rockalen Pastoral Company” near Wilalooka in South Australia. They mate around 900 British breed cows, of which 600 are currently joined to Limousin sires with the balance joined to Angus bulls.

Anthony originally started buying Limousins over 25 years ago when they were producing vealers due to their increased “muscle growth and yield”.

As his cattle enterprise has evolved to finishing heavier animals for Woolworths Anthony has been “happy to stick with Limousins because of their high yield and hybrid vigour”.

“While a lot of people have shifted to Angus and kept with Angus for feeder steer production, we’ve gone a little bit different … I wanted to sell a carcase that was ready to be killed”.

 For this reason Anthony sells his Angus steers as weaners as “the Angus progeny don’t finish as well due to the hybrid vigour and yield of the Limousins.” The advantages that the Limousin provides to Anthony’s cattle enterprise have led him to join his heifers to Limousin sires as well. “We also mate heifers to Limousins now to get a growthier calf in the first year than straight Angus.”

Since joining Angus heifers to Limousins Anthony has had nearly no issues with calving difficulties. “We’ve been focusing on a lower birthweight for that reason … while continuing to select on 400 day weight and eye muscle area”.

Anthony has also never had a docility problem with his Limousins. “From the start we chose high docility bulls and we’ve had Angus bulls more up it here than Limos.

Docility is just not an issue these days.”

Henry Hickson NextGen Agri

The increased dressing percentages provided by the Limousin sires mean the progeny can be killed at lower liveweights.

This in combination with the improved growth rates allows the family to turn off animals at 280300kg carcase weight “as early as 12 - 13 months of age.” Limousin progeny that reach target weights earlier require less grain to finish and consequently save costs while being more efficient.

REMEMBERING JEAN EVANS Jean Evans of Roean Limousins passed away 27th February, 2022.

She was very active in the promotion of Limousins in SA. She was on the SA committee for a considerable time from the mid 1980's and also involved as a Director at National level. She was a Limousin steward at the Adelaide Show. Her involvement in the breed also led to her being chairman of SA Stud Beef for a number of years.

Jean was heavily involved in the SA Farmers Federation and had a wide community involvement. She received the OAM in 2017 for service to the beef cattle industry and community.

By Janette Evans

page twenty two

LIMOUSINS CLEAN SWEEP

CANBERRA 2022 Canberra Royal 2022 was a successful showcase of Limousin power, the breed showing it is top of the game taking out all of the interbreed broad ribbons. Passionate limousin breeders surrounded by friends and family did the breed proud in the show and sale ring at this years event, leaving a shining impression.

Photo By Showcase - From Left to Right: Jasmine Green, Jacob Kerrisk, Nicholas Byrne-Quinn, Peter Kylstra, Hayden Green, Chloe Bailey, Bek Bayly and Indi Hilder, holding the all Limousin line up, Champion of Champions Winners

Champion of Champions Junior Interbreed

Hayden and Jasmine Green from Summit Livestock were successful

Pair

exhibitors at the Canberra Royal Show 2022. They reported the

(Junior champion male & female from each breed) Summit Patriot R53 & Summit Meadowgrass R44, both exhibited by Summit Livestock Champion of Champions Interbreed Breeders Group Hayden & Jasmine Green, Summit Livestock, Uranquinty Champion of Champions Female

"Limousins were the largest breed represented at the 2022 Canberra Royal and won all the interbreed classes."

The 22-month-old bull, Summit Revelation R4 seen being held by Hayden Green above, sired by Summit Revelation N100 out of Summit Temptress K36, was also top priced bull lot at the inaugural Royal Canberra Online Sale, hosted by H Francis & Co. The bull sold for $17,000 to commercial breeder Andrew Stewart, Mount View, Gunning.

Limousin (Progress Queens of Hearts

"It’s encouraging to see the work of Limousin breeders over the

exhibited by Graeme Hopf & Progress

past few decades to improve the commercial relevance and

Limousins, Yanco)

versatility of the breed recognized by numerous judges at the Royal

Champion of Champions Bull

level."

Summit Revelation exhibited by Hayden &

"Showing cattle is only a small part of what we do, but we strongly

Jasmine Green, Summit Livestock, Uranquinty

believe the ability to utilize a range of opportunities throughout the

Supreme Exhibit

year such as being involved in various key agricultural shows and

Summit Revelation exhibited by Hayden &

sales allows us to create tremendously positive exposure for the

Jasmine Green, Summit Livestock,

Limousin breed and our breeding program. One of the real strengths

Uranquinty)

of our breed and our industry, is not just the versatility of the cattle but also the people and community behind it."

Hayden & Jasmine Green of Summit Livestock

page twenty three

LIMOUSINS CLEAN SWEEP

CANBERRA 2022 Limousin genetics showed time and time again they are the ones to beat. Turning heads across the ring, outstanding genetics brought family and friends together in celebration.

Junior Champion Bull

Senior Champion Bull

Summit Patriot R53, exhibited by Hayden & Jasmine Green

Summit Revelation R4, exhibited by Hayden & Jasmine Green

Reserve Junior Champion Bull

Reserve Senior Champion Bull

Llynbrook Sailor, exhibited by A Barham & M Sowter, Werai

Raydon Park Qashqai, exhibited R & D Lawrence Partnership

Junior Champion Female

Senior Champion Female

Summit Meadowgrass R44, exhibited by Hayden & Jasmine Green

Progress Queen of Hearts, exhibited by Progress Limousins

Reserve Junior Champion Female

Reserve Senior Champion Female

Progress Shimmering Star S4, exhibited by Progress Limousins

Kyanne Sincerely Q7, exhibited by Kyanne Limousins

The Kylstra family also had a terrific result. Mr Kylstra explained "This year marked another successful year for us here at Progress Limousins" Progress Queen of Hearts Q8 (owned by MR Grame Hopf from Hopf Limousins) was crowned Supreme Beef Female. Progress Queen of Hearts Q8 is a 3/4 sister to the successful Progress Perfect Storm P5 who secured the same title at Canberra 2021.

Progress Shimmering Star S4, won Reserve Junior Champion Female after winning the under 12 month class & went on to make $22,000 (Top Price Animal) in the H. Francis & Co online auction, selling to JC Cattle Co. Peter Kylstra said "For me the highlight of this years outings was seeing our Breed standing up against some of the best in the industry & holding their own more times than not. The Limousin Breed & all its breeders should be proud of what we have achieved."

Photo By Showcase - Family Affair, Emotions run high for the Kylstra family as Progress Limousins are awarded Supreme Champion Interbreed Female for the second year

page twenty four

LIMOUSINS CLEAN SWEEP

CANBERRA 2022

A fine display of Limousin cattle stunned the judges at Canberra Royal this year, sweeping up all of the major prizes on offer, throughout the Females, Bulls, Steers and Interbreed groups.

Limousin Steers Unbeatable In The Steer Competitions Champion Led Purebred Steer

Champion Open H&H Steer

Champion Trade Steer

Limek T Shady, exhibited by Jacob

Sarana R41, exhibited by Coonamble

Sam, exhibited by Red Bend

Kerrisk & Caitlin Rodham, JC Cattle Co

High School

Catholic College

Reserve Champion Led Purebred

Reserve Champion Open H&H Steer

Steer

Reserve Champion Trade Steer

Diamond JJ,Crossbred steer, exhibited

Lachie, exhibited by Red Bend

by CJ Fuller and GJ Iseppi, Diamond

Catholic College

Myers Boom Boom, exhibited by Jacob Kerrisk & Caitlin Rodham of JC Cattle Co

Angus

Steers are a great part of the show catalogue, a direct correlation to stud influence in a commercial operation, giving young people & schools the opportunity to breed & prepare steers for industry & show ring purposes.

In some cases the steer competition is a direct window into the stud game & J.C Cattle Co of Coolamon have done exactly that. Starting in early 2020 with only a few show steers, J.C Cattle Co is now growing into a productive and functioning stud with 6 breeding females, some bulls & some steers. Jacob & Caity explain they are full of passion for the Limousin breed & are working on their stud development "We have purchased a half share in Progress Shimmering Star S4. We are extremely excited to see this heifer's future, as we love the type & style that she is, this opportunity that Pete Kylstra (Progress Limousins) has given us, is one that we are very grateful & excited to have. We are beyond proud of what we have been able to achieve in such a short time and we look forward to what the future holds for our stud."

J.C Cattle Co

had great

success in the steer judging winning Champion Led Steer with Limek T Shady, owned in partnership Pastoral,

with

Nanoon

Nagambi,

Vic

&

Reserve Champion Steer with Myers Boom Boom, exhibited and owned by Jacob Kerrisk & Caitlin Rodham.

J.C Cattle Co have continued their success in the steer ring this

year

at

Sydney

Royal

taking out Supreme Led Steer.

Photo By Mavstar Photography - Hard work pays off for young couple Caity & Jacob

page twenty five

STAY UP TO DATE ON ALL THINGS LIMO AUSTRALIA!

WWW.LIMOUSIN.COM.AU WEEKLY NEWSLETTER LIMOUSIN AUSTRALIA FACEBOOK

page twenty six

page twenty seven

page twenty eight

ABOUT

BREEDPLAN UNDERSTANDING ESTIMATED BREEDING VALUES An Estimated Breeding Value (EBV) is an estimate of the genetic merit of that animal for each trait measured.

EBVs are provided for the following traits: Calving Ease Direct: estimates the differences in the ability of a sire’s calves to be born unassisted from a 2-year-old heifer.

Gestation Length: ranks sires for the time between conception and the birth of a calf. Shorter gestation is indicated by negative EBVs and longer by positive EBVs. Birth Weight: indicates the genetic potential for birth weight.

Positive EBVs indicate higher birth weights and negative EBVs indicate lower birth weights of progeny.

200, 400 & 600 Day Weight: give us an estimation of the animal's genetic potential for growth.

Mature Cow Weight: estimates differences between animals in live weights of cows at 5 years of age.

Milk: a key component of fast growth to weaning is the dam's maternal performance. A bull with a high milk EBV should produce daughters which milk well.

Scrotal Size: indicates whether the bull will produce sons with above average or below average scrotal sizes.

Carcase Weight: ranks animals for carcase weight.

Eye Muscle Area: ranks animals for eye muscle area measured at the 12th rib on a 300kg carcase.

Rib Fat: ranks animals for rib fat depth at the 12th rib on a 300kg carcase.

Rump Fat: ranks animals for fat depth at the p8 site on the rump on a 300kg carcase.

Intra Muscular Fat: ranks animals for the percentage of intramuscular fat at the 12th rib of a 300kg carcase.

Docility: is expressed as the increase or decrease in the percentage of progeny that will be scored as docile (score 1 or 2). Positive EBVs indicate a higher proportion of progeny that will be scored as docile and negative EBVs indicate a lower percentage of progeny being scored as docile.

Comparing EBVs: The EBVs for Limousins cannot be compared with EBVs for animal of other breeds. They should be compared with the current average EBV for the Limousin breed shown below.

Accuracies: Accuracies are presented with each EBV and give an indication of the amount of information that has been used in the calculation of that EBV. The higher the accuracy the lower the likelihood of change in the animal's EBV as more information is analysed for that animal and its relatives.

page twenty nine

DIGITAL AGRIFOOD

by Caitlin Albert.

Genetic Hub Registrar

SUMMIT

The two-day Summit held at Charles Sturt University was an incredible opportunity to catch a glimpse into the digital future of Agriculture.

Starting off day one was a presentation by Professor David Lamb on ‘The Road to Hands-free Farming.’ In his presentation he addressed the topic of autonomous farming, the changes in current farming technology, legality and regulations around autonomous farming and the social impact of autonomous farming on the industry.

He insightfully stated that, ‘…autonomous farming is not an initiative to replace workers in the agricultural farming industry but to reduce labour, improve work experience, improve data collection and livestock performance.’

Following on, Andrew Haggan engaged the audience with a demonstration of the integration of animation and the metaverse with the agricultural sector. He highlighted animation's importance with online interactive training and simulating changes in the Australian landscape to assist with preparations for natural disasters.

Skye Glenday from Climate Friendly presented on the emerging carbon economy within Australia. Her main discussion was about the opportunities and pitfalls for farmers in the carbon economy and highlighted that only 1% of properties in Australia are participating in carbon farming.

At the completion of the summit there was an opportunity to tour the CSU Global Digital Farm, getting an insight into their cropping and livestock operations.

There was an address by Rosemary Deininger, Deputy Secretary, Department of Agriculture, Water, and the Environment, (DAWE), who discussed the changes in parliament and the governments continued prioritising of the agricultural sector.

Finishing off day one was an open forum discussion on the digital divide in the agricultural industry and the impact of data collection from farms on the agricultural industry.

Day two began with an insightful presentation from Barry Irvin the AM from Bega Cheese. He provided a summary of the growth of Bega cheese and their plan for leading the way in creating a circular economy within their business. Barry highlighted the importance of changing the lifecycle of the products, so they no longer have a beginning and end in production.

page thirty

IN SYDNEY

LIMOUSINS SHINE AGAIN 94 Limousin exhibits showed their best on the wet grounds of Sydney Royal Easter Show in April Junior Champion Female Flemington 704f U-Beaut R94, Mount View Orchards Batlow, Adelong Reserve Junior Champion Female Progress Shimmering Star S4, Progress Limousins, Yanco Senior Champion Female Progress Queen Of Hearts Q8, Progress Limousins, Yanco Reserve Senior Champion Female Flemington Polled Pride M54, Mount View Orchards Batlow, Adelong Grand Champion Female Progress Queen Of Hearts Q8, Progress

Photo By Showcase - Smiles all round, Progress Queen of Hearts Q8 & Peter Kylstra smiling for the camera after winning supreme Limousin exhibit

Limousins, Yanco

Progress Power Peter Kylstra of Progress Limousins does it

Best Exhibit

again, standing in the final line-up for the Urqhart Trophy and

Progress Limousins, Peter Kylstra Yanco

taking home Supreme Limousin Exhibit, rounding off back to

Junior Champion Bull Raydon Park Ranger, Raydon Park, Ray & Donna Lawrence, Mulloon

back Canberra & Sydney Royal wins, two years in a row. He took home the 2021 Urquhart Trophy and top honors at Canberra Royal, and won Supreme Interbreed Female for 2021 and 2022.

Junior Reserve Champion Bull

It has been incredible run for Peter as he retakes the Sydney

Warrigal Remington R8, Paul & Janelle Relf,

Royal ring after a small 15 year break. Peter's successes are

Wingham

far from luck, breeding Limousins for 35 years, Peter has

Senior Champion Bull

devoted his life to producing the best Limousins in the game.

Balamara Rare Gem Stone, Balamara Limousin Stud, Perth Reserve Senior Champion Bull Raydon Park Qashqui, Raydon Park, Ray & Donna Lawrence, Mulloon

He has passed his passions onto many young hopefuls and is quick to call those around him family. Progress Limousins have certainly made their mark in the show world & Peter has left his mark with many young guns of the game. Peter is very much a breed advocate, stating a highlight of this years competition was "seeing our Breed standing up against some

Grand Champion Bull

of the best in the industry" continuing "The Limousin Breed

Raydon Park Ranger, Raydon Park, Ray &

and all its breeders should be proud of what we have

Donna Lawrence, Mulloon

achieved."

page thirty one

Another breeder taking the judges eye at Sydney this year was Ray and Donna Lawrence of Raydon Park.

"Sydney Royal Show 2022 far exceeded our expectations and we are extremely proud of our results in all show rings this year" Raydon Park won Grand Champion Bull with their junior entry, Raydon Park Ranger, led by Indi Hilder. Ray, Donna and family are very proud of their stock and team who have assisted them in their endeavors.

"Thank you to our team of helpers Christine Collins, Brent and Riley Collins, Luke Spencer, Indi Hilder, Junior Champion Bull Raydon Park Ranger, Raydon Park, Mr Ray & Donna Lawrence Junior Reserve Champion Bull Warrigal Remington R8, Mr Paul & Janelle Relf Senior Champion Bull Balamara Rare Gem Stone,

Nicholas Burns Quinn and Brittany Jones, we are so happy to have you on this journey with us."

Along with a host of other successes in the ring this year, Ray and Donna took home Most Successful Exhibitor and Best Maintained large team.

"We are so pleased to be able to share this with our daughter and grandsons."

We are so pleased to help youth, the future of the Limousin breed... follow their dreams and love of cattle as we are doing." Ray and Donna Lawrence - Raydon Park

Balamara Limousin Stud Reserve Senior Champion Bull Raydon Park Qashqui, Raydon Park, Mr Ray & Donna Lawrence Grand Champion Bull Raydon Park Ranger, Raydon Park, Mr Ray & Donna Lawrence Sire's Progeny Raydon Park, Mr Ray & Donna Lawrence Dam's Progeny Summit Livestock, Hayden & Jasmine Green

Photo Courtesy of Ray & Donna Lawrence - Raydon Park Ranger lead by Indi Hilder

Breeder's Group

Limousin awarded the 2022 Stan Hill Trophy!

Limousin 1st

Raydon Park Mr Ray & Donna

Stanhill Trophy classes – these are interbreed

Place:

Lawrence

classes where the top 3 animals are selected for

89.5 points Scots

Best Maintained Team

each breed to represent the breed in the

All Saints College -

(2-5 head)

Bred by Summit

carcase classes as a group.

Limousin Team - With over 65 Limousin steers, all

Livestock

3 selected for the team were Scots All Saints

88.5 points Scots All

College animals. One of the animals was a steer

Saints College -

bred by Leigh Scott and prepared by Kirilee Scott,

Bred by Leigh &

another was a steer bred by Phil Kirk, Wilworril

Lynda Scott

Limousins, Peak Hill and prepared by Hannah Gill

85.5 points Scots All

Most Successfull Limousin

and Harrison Croker, and the final animal was a

Saints College -

Exhibitor

steer bred by Hayden and Jasmine Green, Summit

Bred By

Raydon Park, Mr Ray & Donna

Livestock, Uranquinty and prepared by Olivia Pitt

Warramunga

Mystic Ridge Limousins Best Maintained Team (Over 5 head) Raydon Park Mr Ray & Donna Lawrence

Lawrence

and Millie Triggs.

page thirty two

IN SYDNEY

LIMOUSINS SHINE AGAIN Champion Lightweight Steer Scots All Saints College, Bathurst & Wilworril Limousins Champion Heavyweight Steer Myers Boom Boom, J.C Cattle Co, Jacob Kerrisk & Caitlin Rodham, Coolamon Reserve Champion Heavyweight Steer SASC SNED S8, Scots All Saints College, Bathurst Grand Champion Steer Myers Boom Boom, J.C Cattle Co, Jacob Kerrisk & Caitlin Rodham, Coolamon Grand Champion Carcase

Photo By Mavstar Photography - Jacob Kerrisk and Caitlin Rodham of J.C Cattle Co with their

Calrossy Cino, Calrossy Anglican School,

Supreme Steer, Myres Boom Boom.

bred by Bethany & Erica Bayliss, Baylim Limousins, Dorrigo.

Champion Trade Steer/Heifer Limousin X Heifer, Scots All Saints College, Bathurst Reserve Champion Trade Carcase Limousin X Heifer, Scots All Saints College, Bathurst Limo Steers in the top 10 Auction Results Champion Lightweight Steer - Scots All Saints College & Wilworril Limousins, selling for $20.50/ kg - Top price

Photo By Showcase- Scots All Saints College, Student with their Champion Lightweight and top price auction purebred limousin steer

Class Winner - Open - 1010c/kg $4716.70), Limousin, Amelia Lambell, A & A Riley, to Harris Farm Market.

Class Winner - Open - 1000c/kg ($4840), Limousin, Flemington Limousins, Mount View Orchards Batlow, to Woolworths Greenstock.

Second in class - Open- 960c/kg ($4464), Limousin, Calrossy Anglican, B and E Bayliss, to Woolworths Greenstock.

Second in class - School - 870c/kg ($4193.40), Limousin, Scots All Saints College, Warramunga, to Woolworths, Greenstock.

page thirty three

IN SYDNEY

LIMOUSINS SHINE AGAIN Champion School Carcase Group

Letter from Libby

Scots All Saints College, Bathurst

The Scots All Saints Cattle Show Team exhibited 25 steers at Sydney Royal Easter show. Four of these steers were home bred whilst the remaining steers were bred by our amazing supportive stud breeders from all over the state.

The team took 15 purebred Limousin steers, 2 Limousin cross heifers, 2 limousin cross steers, and 6 other steers to Sydney this year.

Reserve Breeders Carcase Group Calrossy Anglican School, Tamworth Interbreed Group Of Three Steers Scots All Saints College, Bathurst Champion School Steer Calrossy Cino, Calrossy Anglican School, bred by Bethany & Erica Bayliss, Baylim Limousins, Dorrigo.

Herdsman's Best Maintained Team Reserve Calrossy Anglican School, Tamworth Grand Champion State Parader Zoe Rudder, Calrossy Anglican School, Tamworth, led a 17-month-old Limousin steer bred by Bethany & Erica Bayliss, Baylim Limousins.

The students prepared these animals which began during term 3, 2021 and this was challenging due to Covid. The team was capably led by Charlotte Linsday, Harriett Mitchell, Clare Mawhood, Kirilee Scott, Lillian Oke, Gaby Toby and Amabella Harvey who are our Year 12 team members.

We were also led by our wonderful ‘red shirters’ who hold a leadership position in the team and this included Eva Green, Hannah Gill, Victoria Webb and Oliva Grimshaw.

There are many thanks to be made as this is a huge team effort.

The SASC cattle students are phenomenal – the work, commitment, maturity, leadership and dedication they show is amazing – two mornings a week they turn up to cattle training at 7.00am – always with a smile, always with a willingness to work hard. The word ‘proud’ doesn’t seem to be enough – they are a credit to themselves, their parents and the school and should be an inspiration and role model to all!!

Many thanks to both Wilworril Limousins (Kirk Family) and Summit Livestock (Hayden and Jasmine Green) for continued support – they have always supported our stud and steer program and helped a lot with semen, bulls and we have based our purchases of females on Summit Livestock. Thanks also to Lee Scot for continually allowing us to prepare his wonderful steers as well.

Finally, to our school – Mr Weeks fully supports this program, we are very grateful for his and the rest of the school’s continued support.

Calrossy Cino, Calrossy Anglican School,

An old headmaster said that Sydney Royal was like the Grand Final for our 1sts Rugby team – it is exactly what it is like to us and we feel like we have won the Grand Final in more ways than one!

bred by Bethany & Erica Bayliss, Baylim

Libby Dawes

Champion School Steer

Limousins, Dorrigo.

Most Successful Exhibitor - Steer classes Scots All Saints College, Bathurst

Photo Courtesy of B. Bayliss Facebook page - Calrossy Anglican

Photo Courtesy of Libby Dawes - Scots All Saints College, Student with their Reserve

School with their Champion School Steer Calrossy Cino, bred by

Champion Heavyweight purebred Limousin steer bred by Summit Livestock

Bethany and Erica Bayliss, Baylim Limousins, Dorrigo.

page thirty four

MEMBER STORY

RON AND ANN SMITH Ann and Ron started ‘Killarney Limousins’ in 1984, with their first calves born in 1985. The stud used imported genetics and local genetics to improve the structure of the calves from then right up until the herd was sold in 2015.

Ann and Ron were known by their neighbours, Mudgee locals and the cattle showing community as people who would give you the shirt off their back, would help you anytime and were always up for a cup of tea and a yarn – this is a legacy that lives on with their daughter Rhonda, their sons Greg (dec) and Robert (dec) and their grandchildren.

During the time that Ann and Ron were showing (10 years from 1996 - 2006), they showed bulls and heifers at Rylstone, Mudgee, Gulgong, Lithgow, Dubbo, Bathurst, Orange, Merriwa, Molong and Quirindi shows with Killarney Sun Idol, Killarney Trojan, Killarney Symball, Killarney Viscount, Killarney Work of Art and Killarney Whitney dominating the show circuit. The list including Grand Champion Bull, Senior Champion Bull, Champion pair of bulls, Reserve champions, Junior champions and multiple 1st in class, 2nd in class etc for both bulls and heifers.

Killarney Sun Idol was always a good looking bull – his image is included in this email.

Ann and Ron have always been passionate about the breed and woe betold anyone who thought otherwise – I once had the audacity to mention that a Brahman influence might work well and was told in no uncertain terms what Ron thought about that.

Ann also was the secretary of the Central West Limousin branch and ran Junior Cattle Camps out of the Mudgee showground – aiming to teach young people who were interested in cattle how to groom for shows, how to make a halter, how to parade cattle for judges etc.

Ann and Ron Smith

When Ann and Ron went over to Tamworth from Mudgee to pick up Nettles, Ron said she was skinny and about as wild as they get – Ann opened the back of the truck, Ron opened the gates in the yards and she flew up on the truck – it was rocking and swaying and Ron wasn’t sure how this was going to go.

When they got home from Tamworth, Ron took Nettles into the yards with some other cows, gave her some hay and water, let her settle down for a few days and once she had done that, she was as quiet as a lamb.

Ann and Ron decided to take the punt on her and had her AI’d by the vet to MH Sundance 903B - a match that turned out to be a winner with Sun Idol being born on the 5th March 1997. The rest, as they say, is history.

Rachel Lee

By far though, Ann and Ron’s most memorable achievement was Killarney Sun Idol – the first polled, Australian bred, 100% French limousin bull. All other French bulls bred in Australia at the time of Sun Idols birth in 1997 were horned and for Ron, having the very first polled 100% French bull in Australia has been an achievement that still brings him great pride.

Breeding Sun Idol was brought about by John Rodd, a cattle agent out of Tamworth, giving Ron a call one night to tell him ‘You’ve bought a heifer’. Ron, wondering ‘oh dear, how much have I spent’ queried how much and John told Ron ‘ She was $350’. Ron thought, well she cant be much chop for that and he told John as much. John assured Ron ‘Well for $350, you can have a punt on her and see what happens’.

That heifer was Top River Nettles.

Killarney Sun Idol

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CHATEAU LIMOUSINS

8TH ANNUAL SALE Jenna McIntyre Chateau Limousins John and Bev, Andrew and Jenna McIntyre hosted their 8th Annual Sale on Monday 21st March 2022 on-property and interfaced with Auctions Plus. The sale attracted one of our largest on-property crowds thus far at our sales, as well as a strong bidding presence online.

This year’s top price bull was Lot 2 – Chateau Recall JWMPR13, a double black, double polled son of Syes Backstage, tipping the scales at 862kg and a scrotal of 39cm. He was purchased by Jason and Bronwyn Malseed of Mt Gambier Limousins, SA for $12,000.

A further 2 bulls were purchased for Stud duties, including Lot 3 – JWMPR25 purchased by Junior Members Xavier and Ethan Hooppell of Carlsruhe Limousins, VIC. We welcomed 6 new purchasers taking home 7 bulls. 3 states helped to achieve a sale average of $6,220 for 16/19 bulls.

We would like to again thank all of our purchasers, underbidders and friends for their new & continued support of our sale.

KING CREEK

ANNUAL SALE King Creek's 7th Annual sale on 13th July saw them offer 24 Bulls, 16 2021 drop heifers, the 24 Bulls comprising 9 Blacks and 15 Apricots, bulls selling on the day to a top of $14,000 twice for an average of $8500, with the heifers selling to a top of $4000, for an average of $3750, with Berdihold Stud selecting a black King Creek Pokémon daughter.

The bulls sold to Central Queensland, Victoria, the Hunter area and northwest NSW. There were many repeat buyers and some first-time buyers from Victoria and NSW. Comments were made regarding the exceptional quality and extreme natural quietness of the entire draft. It was noted that the bulls could be put straight out to work, as they had no supplementary feeding and the extreme ease with which the bulls could be handled, was a big plus for buyers.

Top Price Pull: Lot. 14 King Creek Roscoe R141

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NEXTGEN AGRI

BEEFING UP YOUR HERD

Breeding great cattle requires a careful balance of breeding an animal that not only looks the part but also performs well. However both of these aspects can be heavily influenced by how well the animal has been fed as well as how well the animal has been bred.

The astute bull buyer wants to be able to compare bulls, either within a herd or between herds, and know which animal is likely to do the best job on their cow herd. While some physical aspects are obvious to see and can be compared, the potential performance of the bulls progeny is very difficult to see.

This is where EBVs come in. They separate out the environmental differences between bulls and give us the best estimate of the genetic potential of a bull across a large number of traits.

This was part of the message at the Beefing up your Herd workshop recently run by Henry Hickson, Limousin Breed Advancement coordinator and Dr Mark Ferguson of neXtgen Agri.

The workshop was supported by ALBS, Pelican Rise Limousins and other nearby Limousin studs plus local agents.This was a pilot workshop with the intention of rolling out similar workshops across other regions for interested Limousin breeders or groups.

The workshop covered a range of topics from the consumer trends that are likely to define their spending in coming years, to the basics of EBVs through to which traits you should consider selecting on.

The workshop was held on the 18th of July in Colac and was very well supported with 45 bull breeders, bull buyers and agents in the room. While the workshop was focussed on Limousin cattle the principles apply to any breed and there were a range of breeds represented in the room.

The feedback from the workshop has been extremely positive with many people going out of their way to thank the presenters and the organisers for putting the day on. One of the aspects that people liked was that the concepts were explained in practical terms without getting too carried away with the complex science that underpins breeding values.

The workshop was video recorded and the video will be available to anyone interested. Please contact the office or Henry directly to get a link to the video.

Not all breeders use EBVs but increasingly bull buyers are looking for additional information to make good choices about which bulls to purchase. The Limousin breed needs to grow the proportion of bulls that are sold with a full suite of EBVs to ensure the breed maintains or grows market share and remains relevant to the commercial industry.

If you would like to run a ‘Beefing up your Herd’ workshop on your property or in your region, please get in touch with Henry Hickson Henry@limousin.com.au 0499 237 985 Mark Ferguson

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ACM

SIRE SHOOTOUT Congratulations to O'Sullivans Black Limousin & Benjarra Limousins on their success at the ACM Sire Shootout held in July.

O'Sullivans Special K was awarded Runner Up Interbreed Champion, following 1st place in the European Class.

Benjarra Rant & Rave was awarded 2nd Place in the European Class.

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SNAKE GULLY

28TH ANNUAL SALE The 28th Annual Snake Gully Sale was held on the 14th of June on farm at Maungakaramea.

The weather the previous day was wet, cold and winds up to 120 kmph however, although the wind was still present, the rain held off for Sale Day. The weather did not deter a good crowd that gathered to purchase and enjoy the hospitality following the sale.

Lot 6 SG Rocky

Top price of $9000 went to Lot 6 Snake Gully Rocky, a full French son of Hirohito out of the dam Snake Gully Jackie, a Wilodge Cerberus daughter. Rocky was one of 3 sons by Hirohito available for the first time in NZ. He was purchased by Colin Phillips of Fern Hill Stud in Tuatapere, Southland.

Second highest of $8000 was Lot 1 Snake Gully Rambo, a homo polled, homo black son of TMF Courage 41E out of the imported embryo dam Snake Gully Gracie a black Wulfs Realtor 1503R/Premier Temptress Z16 daughter.

Lot 1 SG Rambo

Rambo was purchased by Waikura Station for commercial use over their herd of 1600 angus breeding cows. Waikura Station purchased 4 of the 6 black bulls on offer. It is the most remote Station in NZ from a main centre, and situated on the East Coast, 3 hours drive from Gisbourne.

Selling 18/18 bulls with an average price of $5,328 was up $1300 on last year’s average.

Although Dannie was not with us this year, we feel he would have been very proud of the result and all the many years that he and Bethley had put into genetics had resulted in a successful sale.

Article and Photos by Natalie Roberts

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LIMOUSINS AT THE

TASMANIAN JUNIOR BEEF EXPO

By Sheree Lawrence In February, we had 8 kids exhibiting Limousins, competing at the Tasmania Junior Beef Expo.

They all had the chance to win a registered heifer kindly donated by Badger View Limousins this year!

And the results are as follows Bella Mansell Badger View Radiant 2nd in class 3, 2nd in paraders heat, 3rd in sub-inter Herdsman

Connor Smith Badger View Reflection 2nd class 5 3rd in handler heat, 4th in Intermediate herdsman Charlton Skirving Badger View Racquel 1st in heat 6 2nd in handler heat and was awarded the National All Breeds Junior heifer show award Jesse Mansell Badger View Refine 5th in handler heat

Grace Febey Kanangra Electric Whiskey 2nd in class 6 1st and Reserve intermediate parader, 5th in herdsman Miller Jones Badger View Roxette 2nd in paraders heat, 2nd in sub-inter Junior Judging Riley McMahone 3rd in novice handler heat, 4th novice herdsman

Jordan Hingston Kanangra Red Salsa 4th in handler heat Tru Tulloch was awarded the Grand Champion Herdsman award. We wish her the best of luck with her new heifer Badger View Regal.

Tru with her new heifer, Jordan Hingston, Jesse & Bella Mansell, Charlton Skirving, Connor Smith, Grace Febey and Matthew Jones of Badger View Limousins

Jordan Hingston

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UPCOMING

SHOWS & SALES AUGUST 2nd August 2022: Ekka Junior Led Heifer Judging 2nd August 2022: Ekka Interschool Led Steer Judging 3rd August 2022: Ekka Open Led Steer Judging followed by Led Steer Auction 5th August 2022: Ekka Limousin Stud Beef Judging 5th - 14th August 2022: EKKA show 5th August 2022: Northern Limousin Breeders Sale – Scone NSW 6th August 2022: Ekka RNA Premier Beef Presentations including Carcass Results 12th August 2022: BJF Limousin Invitational Bull & Female Sale 13th August 2022: Coolabunia Inaugural Limousin Bull and Female Sale 19th August 2022: Graneta Limousin & Angus Bull Sale

SEPTEMBER 3rd - 11th September 2022: Royal Adelaide Show 15th-16th September 2022: Spring National All-Breeds Show and Sale, H. Francis & Co. 17th -18th September 2022: Southern Cross Limousin Sale 22nd Sept - 2nd October 2022: Royal Melbourne Show 24th Sept - 1st October 2022: Perth Royal Show

OCTOBER 4th October 2022: Summit Livestock Spring Selection Sale 5th October 2022: Raven 'The Final' Bull Sale 7th October 2022: Inaugural Graduates of Goldstein Park Sale 19th - 21st October 2022: Hobart Royal Show NOVEMBER 4th November 2022: Classic & Huntley View 2 Phase Dispersal- First Phase All Apricots. Rob Bennie

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